J. Wayne Richards has been elected as the chairman of the West Virginia University Foundation Board of Directors, beginning a two-year term. A 1981 alumnus in mining engineering, Richards is currently the president and CEO of GR Energy Services in Sugar Land, Texas. His previous roles include serving as president and CEO of Global Oilfield Services until its sale in 2012 and holding senior positions at Schlumberger.
Richards resides in Richmond, Texas, with his wife Kathy, also a WVU graduate. He has been involved with the Foundation Board since 2016 and served as vice chair for the past two years.
At the recent annual meeting, Penelope “Penni” F. Roll from Oakton, Virginia, was elected vice chair; William M. “Bill” Sheedy from San Mateo, California, was named immediate past chair; and Robert “Bob” O. Orders Jr. from Saint Albans will serve as secretary.
The Board welcomed Harry “Hap” Esbenshade as its newest member. Esbenshade is chairman and CEO of The Mountain Company among other businesses and holds a degree from Duke University.
Reelected to three-year terms were Olaoul “Ola” Adekunle from Fairfax, Virginia; Robert “Rob” Johnson from Middleburg, Virginia; Bradford “Brad” Ritchie from Charleston; and Roderick “Rod” C. Young from Richmond, Virginia. Richards and Roll were also reelected for three-year terms.
Ex-officio members appointed for one-year terms include incoming WVU President Michael Benson, WVU Health System President Albert Wright Jr., and WVU Vice President Paula Congelio.
Founded in 1954, the mission of the WVU Foundation is to enhance West Virginia University through charitable support and services to the university community.
